#Setting The World On Fire [Makeru]

[sworntolight-a]

Title: Five Times Kissed

Ships: Entrust (KikuxTakeru), Solarflare (Mako(oc)xTakeru), Fireflower (MakoxTakeruxKiku)

Summary: Five kisses. Five moments. Five of thousands, likely more - All shared across a lifetime spent bound together by the phoenix’s flames.

A drabble set for @soulburnings of our trio of fluffy, loving dorks - Happy birthday, Kasa! <3333

This way. Kiku wasn't sure why she hadn't expected a shortcut down an alley, honey glancing about their surroundings. Wasn't he always telling her not to go near them, always reminding her how dangerous they were with the Mizunuma brothers and their gang lurking around any and every corner? “Takeru, are you sure?”

“You said you didn't want to be seen.”

That was true, and she was thankful for his slowing to a stop and look back to her, first to meet her gaze, then down to the mess staining her blouse. She hadn't wanted to wander through the shopping district where everyone could see her, not when she'd slipped and fallen in a pile of fish guts just an hour earlier; who would with tendrils of fish skin, scales, and various parts making their clothes and hair stick to them? The smell was bad enough, but to be seen would be twice as bard – Especially with the next day being sunday and most of their classmates out for the evening!

All the same, she hadn't expected him to take her concerns to heart, either. Takeru rarely cared what anyone thought of him, and he'd made his thoughts on her needing to look pretty and presentable known more than once. She looked fine, he'd always remind her. Her scarf might have been askew, or her hair frizzy, but he'd always say she looked fine... Except for now, she noted. Now there were no promises of looking 'fine', no comments on her skirt or braid being a bit off, no teases – Just a concerned light in his eyes and free hand reaching out, thumb gently brushing a scale off her cheek.

He rarely cared what others thought, and yet he was all too willing to lead her through back alleys by the hand just so she could rest assured nobody had seen her looking like a whale had exploded.

He didn't have to, didn't have to care, and he was.

For her.

Slowly, Kiku stepped closer, rocking onto her toes and laying her hand against his chest. Despite the fish stuck to her and the awkwardness of it all, she couldn't stop herself from tilting her head towards him... Or her lips from brushing against his, instant coloring her cheeks a vibrant pink, and, she'd find as she pulled back, his bright red, sky-colored eyes wide in surprise and hand tightened around hers. But why... Was her heart pounding so hard against her ribs, now? Why had that felt so... Good? “Thank you, Takeru.”

“Uh...”

“Did you forget how to breathe?”

Gods knew she had.

~~

“You haven't seen my shirt, have you?”

“...What's a shirt?”

Mako didn't have to look to know Takeru's stare had turned blunt, let alone pinned on her. Not when she'd gone and parked herself on top of the shirt in question, casually continuing to scroll through settings in her 3DS game without so much as cracking a smile – No matter how much she wanted to. What was the worst he could do, anyway? Flip her off it? “Never heard of this 'shirt', Takeru. Sorry.”

“I can see it under you,” came his reply, closer than before – Yet she still wouldn't look up. In her opinion, there was no point; they'd been living together for two months, sharing her bedroom for at least one, and aside from some heated playfighting, there was little reason to think her boyfriend would do anything aside from order her off his shirt. And why would she want to do that when keeping it for herself meant he'd have to join her without one?

Yet before she could get out another sound, she'd find her game plucked from her hands, replaced with her phoenix's smirking expression. A smirk that made her own lips curl into a smile; he was looking for a playfight, wasn't he? “It's my shirt.”

“You're mine,” Takeru countered, though Mako could read between the lines: You're my girlfriend, so that makes you AND the shirt mine, doesn't it? “Give it to me.”

“Depends on what this it is.”

“Mako. I want to go to bed.”

“No you don't.”

“I want to sleep.”

No he didn't, not with that look on his face, but she'd not point that out a second time. Instead, she'd simply lift a hand to cup his cheek, guiding Takeru closer for their lips to meet in a soft, loving kiss – A gesture laced in fire and desire. It'd only been a month of sharing a room, and yet, she still caught herself melting far too easily underneath his advance, melting into her pillows like pure putty under his shift to lean over her. “Mmm... God, I love you-”

“You too-”

She'd still never give him back that shirt though.

~~

Gentle touches had always been her favorite, Kiku decided. Even a year, two years earlier, when he'd been little more than a thug and she clueless to the ways of the world, his touch across her hand and cheek had always been enough to lay her every trouble to rest. The rest of the universe seemed to melt away with each soft pass of skin on skin – All that was left was them, in a world all their own.

“I missed you.” She didn't trust her voice above the whisper it'd come out as, fingers curling into his sweatshirt. I missed you. Three words she shouldn't have been so wary to say, but he'd been gone for a reason, too, and she didn't want him to think she hadn't been supporting him the entire time. But now... He was real, right?

She didn't have to ask that question, Takeru's nose nudging hers a second later with a whisper of 'you too'. She'd never thought his return would make a moment like this... Nor had she ever expected she'd spend the day after her birthday hidden away in his bedroom, wrapped up in his arms as the sun slowly sank bellow the horizon outside. He was real, and she was finding that out in the best way possible, snuggling herself against her best friend – Her boyfriend. The boy she'd loved for so long, and nearly lost.

The boy who'd protected her for as long as she could remember.

The boy who made her heart skip a beat with every touch and every smile.

The boy who owned her heart, always.

And for the first time, her lean in was met halfway by a nervous yet eager Takeru, lips barely brushing before bravery took over and met for a far more solid, loving kiss. Their first as a couple... It was enough to send a shiver down her spine, pulled closer the second he noticed. If he thought she was cold, she wasn't sure, but she wasn't about to complain – Let alone pull away from the fire.

Let it consume me – There's no better birthday gift than to be surrounded by him, always.

~~

Takeru's heavy sigh and flop onto their shared bed was more than enough to make Mako laugh, slow fingers undoing the floppy bow tying her hair back into a loose bun. It wasn't the first time she'd seen him nervous; tests when they lived in the city had done this to him, too, as had every mention of ever talking to her parents, but actually meeting them in person as he had seemed to have been her fiance's breaking point. Not that she could tell by the unamused stare he pinned on her a second later, of course! “You survived, didn't you? And I told you they'd like you.”

“Your father talked about the ancient rights of cows,” Takeru reminded, peeling his mouth from the pillow he'd shoved it into. “That's not liking me, Mako, that's- ...What is he?”

“Mom and I have been asking that for a long time.” Hair flopping down against her back and ribbon set aside, she wasted no time in crawling onto the bed and over him, welcoming his quick roll onto his back and arms snaking around her middle. Being on their best behavior, on top of his nervousness all through dinner, had meant touches were kept to a bare minimum – And being pulled down to lay against his far more solid form, warmth almost seeming to wrap around her like the heat from a fireplace, easily drew a content sigh from her lips. No matter how awkward the day, or how bad, laying with him always made it seem like it'd never happened... “They loved you, you know.”

“Mmm...”

“I know that hum.”

Slowly, his head lifted off his pillow, a light kiss connecting them for but a moment. “It's a tired hum.”

“I'm sure.” That was an I hope so, Mako decided, biting the words off the tip of her tongue in favor of another soft kiss, shuddering under the hands slipping under the back of her blouse for a skim of careful fingertips against her skin. Even if she'd wanted to point it out, his touch alone kept her voice from moving past her throat – And made it all to easy for her to 'steal' a third kiss, gently nipping at his lower lip along with it.

It didn't matter if they liked him or not, she reminded herself. It didn't matter if the world did, or what anyone thought of their relationship – Not when- “I love you, Takeru.”

“Love you too, Mako-chan-”

Not when he owned her with such a simple, soft smile.

“Always.”

~~

“It's not like him to sleep this late,” Kiku sighed out, looking away from the living room's wall clock at the sound of a cup clicking against the nearby coffee table. “He's usually up by now, even on bad days. Did he say anything to you?”

Mako shrugged, plopping herself down beside her partner as carefully – and yet as ungracefully – as possible. The infant in her arms had only just stopped fussing no more than a few minutes earlier, and the last thing she wanted to do was set off another crying fit so soon. “It's how things like this go, you know. Sometimes it takes longer to come back from.”

“It's ten, Mako.”

“Mental illness sucks, Kiku.”

Though her lips parted to reply, Kiku quickly pressed them back together. Mako wasn't wrong, and they both knew it – But it wasn't like their household to be so quiet so late into the evening on a bad day, either. Sure, Takeru had spent days on end avoiding most everything on a bad day before, but he'd also made himself known to them all by 8, 9 the latest, too. Knowing it was nearly their eldest child's bedtime and he still wasn't out of bed yet worried her, something Mako quickly picked up on and countered with a soft smile.

“He'll be fine,” she offered, reaching up to brush a strand of raven hair behind Kiku's ear as Hiko crawled up to settle between them, Sumi instantly turning her attention to her brother from her mother's arms. “I promise. We'll just find him in the kitchen before us in the morning, that's all. Hope you didn’t want to keep those muffins for a rainy day.”

“I don't eat that much.”

Unlike the pure relief on Kiku's face at the sound, Takeru's voice only made Mako laugh, reaching out to catch their husband's hands the moment he was close enough to the couch. To the untrained eye, he looked content enough; dressed in sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt, he looked like he'd just rolled out of bed, breaking into a smile the moment Mako gave his hands a light squeeze and Hiko scooted to the side for him to sit with them. Of course, Hiko wouldn't stay there long, either, scooped onto his father's lap half a second later, hugged tight against the elder's middle with giggles galore.

But to his wives, the wear was more than obvious. Bright blue eyes had gone dim, equally as vibrant smile still warm, yet nowhere near as wide. Even his posture was more slouched than normal, and despite his chuckle over Hiko's laughter and Sumi's gurgling in his direction, a finger offered for the baby to grab at, he'd clearly not recovered enough from his 'bad day' to stay up for long. “...Sorry.”

Sorry I worried you. Sorry I was in bed all day. Sorry I haven't been out here. Sorry you had to take care of the kids all day alone- The meanings behind his apology were endless, Kiku leaning in to silence him with a sweet kiss before another could slip free. He had nothing to apologize for, after all, relishing in the faint smile he let work its way into the gesture. “Did you sleep well?”

“Mm-mm.” Once more, he didn't need to elaborate, leaning back into the couch, welcoming both women's snuggle into his sides. Sleep rarely came easy when his PTSD decided to make a reappearance, but after ten years of marriage and twice as long of friendship, even he knew he didn't need to explain himself. “...Mind if I stay here?”

Mako let out a light laugh, fingertips tracing over his jawline, guiding his head to tilt to the side for her own kiss to find his lips, soft and loving. “You make it sound like we'd let you go,” she reminded right after, expression softening as his smile grew a little more. “You're stuck with us, for the rest of your life. Hope you like scratches and cuddles.”

“Love them.”

“Good...”

“'Cause we've never letting you go. Ever.”

Five kisses, five moments... Just five of thousands across a lifetime shared together. No matter what the world tries to throw their way, there's nothing they can't beat-

Not when they can face it as a family, forever bound by the flames.

[sworntolight-a]

There's a Takeru here looking for one Mako. He knows she's felt a little down lately, so he's leaving one of his extra sugar cookies from a trip into town out for her to find. And scribbled on the napkin the cookie sat on? A small heart with his name wrote out to the side.

A cookie and a heart were so simple of a surprise. Nothing big, or flashy - and yet it was still more than enough to have Mako stopping still at the sight of it, biting into the tip of her tongue. She’d been trying so hard to hide her poor mood from him, not wanting him to fuss and worry... When had he picked up on it? Where had she slipped?

Regardless of the when, where, and how, the fact he’d thought to get her a cookie had tears pricking at her eyes, lips curling into a soft smile. He hadn’t had to do that, she reminded herself, letting her fingertips brush over the heart; he could’ve just.... It was just a cookie, and it made her heart soar.

Enough for her to turn on her heel and leave the treat alone, rushing through the house until she could find Takeru, cup his cheeks, and pull him close for a quick, soft kiss. “Thank you- I love you, Take-kun-”

He hadn’t had to, but the fact he had touched her more than anything else.

[sworntolight-a]

10. Who takes like 10 minutes of persuading to get out of bed each morning? (for both!)

Pom’s a sucker for OTP memes-

10. Who takes like 10 minutes of persuading to get out of bed each morning? 

Amusingly, for both girls, the answer’s the same: Takeru!

For Kiku, mornings are a struggle; she’s a naturally sunny-in-the-morning kind of person, and getting her fiance out of bed to face that definitely is easier said than done. She’s had to pull his blankets and pillows away from him just to make sure he gets up, and won’t leave the room aside from to shower until he does - And if he’s not up by then, she’s dropping pillows on him until he gets annoyed enough to drag himself out of bed!

With Mako though, she’s got a different method: Food. Having lived with him as long as she has, both legitimately and as his hangout after school, she’s picked up on a few things - namely just how much Takeru budges for a good, hot meal. She’s not much of a morning person herself if she doesn’t have to be, so if lazily nudging him while she’s getting up doesn’t work, or even stealing his blanket in passing,then her next stop is making breakfast and teasing him with the scents - and a glimpse from the doorway of his plate - until he grudgingly  gets up. Usually to steal a piece of bacon from her plate instead. Spoilers: She always lets him-

BONUS: In their Fireflower verse, it’s both Mako and Takeru that take forever, leaving Kiku to huff at the two of them usually trying to become a pair of pure blanket loafs together. Two normally outnumber one, but when that one is their ‘keeper’... Bed’s usually empty faster than they can blink. Nobody crosses the butterfly. She always wins. XD

[sworntolight-a]

💕 And one for Mako because she can't be left out either

💕 for kisses~!

Mako wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting with Takeru’s quick grab around her waist, but the soft, sweet kiss that found her lips definitely wasn’t it, the connection sending a shiver along her spine. His kiss was one she couldn’t help but melt into, leaning against him as she returned it with every bit of love she could fit into such a simple action, just as he had. She never needed to hear he loved her when just a touch could say it for him, but this was one all too easy to lose herself in and forget just what she’d been doing until he’d pulled back with a smile that never failed to make her heart skip a beat.

“I should make chocolate-covered waffles more often it gets me that,” she teased, slowly wrapping her arms around his middle. “I love you, Take-kun- More than anything.”

[sworntolight-a]

Aaaand one of these ⚔️ from Soulburner @ Alanna

Send ⚔️ for tag team battle quotes!

Together battle theme: Turn It Up - Silverline

Fighting by your muse’s side: “Time to show ‘em what we’re made of, right Soulburner?”

My muse assisting yours: “I’ve got your back, don’t worry!”

Your muse assisting mine: “Didn’t mean to slip there... Thank you.”

My muse coming out of nowhere to help: “Need a hand, partner?”

Your muse coming out of nowhere to help: “I should’ve known you’d be nearby~ How about we do this together, then?”

My muse being protected by yours: “Soulburner... Mm. My hero...”

Your muse being protect by yours: “I won’t ever let anyone hurt you, I swear it-!”

Riding out into battle together: “As long as we’re together, nothing can beat us!”

Retreating together: “We’ve gotta get out of here - Best to save our hides and try again than not log out at all!”

Doing an all out attack together: “Fire and light make a sun, right? So let’s let Liger and Heatleo show off the brilliance of ours!”

My muse healing yours: “Here, let me see... You’ve gotta think before you leap, love. Anger gets you into trouble like this.”

Your muse healing mine: “It’s not as bad as it looks, I promise...”

Sudden ambush: “Damn- Soulburner, look out behind you-!”

More enemies appearing: “They’re not giving up... Might need a bit more of that inferno, phoenix!”

Mid-boss appearing: “Turn up the heat and roast this guy - Liger and I’ve got you covered!”

Boss enemy appearing: “We’ve got this. As long as we stay focused, nothing can beat us. Not together. Not ever.”

Victory: “And that’s why you never take on a sun! Thank you, Soulburner... I never would’ve been able to do this without you beside me.”

[sworntolight-a]

Takeru's quiet with his touches, though maybe Mako's come to expect that? A playful poke to her nose turns into a silent brush across her cheek before his hand suddenly drops down to catch hers by a wrist, giving it a slight tug in his direction.

Touches show feelings~

Nose: “You’re so cute.”

Cheek: “I want to tell you I love you.”/Deep affection/Devotion

Wrist: Fear of losing you

She had; after the last year they’d spent together, Mako had long since come to realize Takeru’s actions always spoke louder than his words. Everything he wouldn’t, or couldn’t, say always shined through in how he moved and this was no different, the smaller girl nuzzling his fingers slightly as they passed over her cheek. This was a touch telling her just how much he loved her, and she couldn’t hide the soft smile on her lips... Or how her heart skipped a beat from it all.

And with his tug to her wrist, she stepped forward, pressing herself against him and sliding an arm around his middle. They didn’t need words - Never had, honestly, violet eyes soft in a clear, silent I love you  of her own. Just like she knew she had the biggest green light ever to return the poke of her nose with a kiss to the tip of his, followed by a light peppering of them across his cheeks and lips for a few seconds more before she could let herself bury her face against his shoulder. Just as much as he let his actions speak for him, so could she, the lightest of hums sounding out from his shirt-

Can I stay here with you? Lost in the flames, forever? There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, you know-

Forever.

[sworntolight-a]

💗 One for Mako

Send 💗for sudden, tight hugs!

She didn’t even think about it - The moment Takeru’s arms wrapped around her, Mako had all but snuggled herself into his hold, eyes drifting closed with the warmth of him. He’d always been warm, like sitting by a fireplace on a cold day… A natural heat she couldn’t help but lose herself in every time, without fail. It was why she often cuddled into him whenever they were lounging around one of their apartments, and exactly why she’d never hesitate whenever he gave her the cue for more.

And when he didn’t pull away, she let a content hum escape her, head tilting just enough to nuzzle her face into his shoulder. It almost felt like a real fire had reached out for her, curled around her and pulled her into somewhere safe, where she’d be protected and-

“I love you… Takeru…~”

Maybe he wouldn’t mind if she stayed there forever…?

[sworntolight-a]

🏷️👫📺 for Mako, 💚🐶💭 for Kiku, aaaand a bonus ↕️ for them both!

What’re the girls like in relationships-

🏷️Do they give their partners cute nicknames? 

Mako does! She tends to keep them specific to something she loves about them and/or associates with them, though - Like Takeru’s are all something about fire, because she loves his warmth and strength, leading to Phoenix, Fireball, Asahi-kun, and the more common Take-kun. She regularly comes up with new ones, too, but whether or not they stick is another story~

👫Do they display affection in public? What about in private? 

Yes and No? Mako’s someone who believes that if PDA is going past light and fluffy - hugs, a kiss on the cheek/small kiss,a nuzzle - then it’s something that’s more suited for a more intimate place, so she doesn’t usually go too far, herself. Holding hands, nuzzles, hugs and light kisses; that’s about what you’ll catch from her in public.

In private, she’s far more affectionate with her partner; she’ll cuddle, ‘steal’ a bunch of kisses, nuzzle, lay on them… There’s nobody watching there, which means she’s free to do as she pleases… Within their comfort, of course.

📺 Do they share information about their relationships freely with friends and family? 

To a degree, yes. Mako shares everything with her cousin Rin, and Kiku knows how to read Mako as well as she does Takeru, so there’s never any hiding from her, either. But even then, Mako stops at things considered too personal, and things entrusted to her. She’s not going to talk about her partner’s secrets even to them, and should something personal happen (nsfw related, something in their family, etc), that’s off limits too, unless she’s given permission to talk about it. “He fell out of bed this morning trying to roll away from a poke and huffed at a kiss”, on the other hand… XD

↕️Are they sub, dom or switch? 

Switch~ She’s a playful kind of girl and won’t hesitate to do so even there, so there’s nothing stopping her from switching things up once in a while~

💚Are they prone to jealousy?

Not.. Really? There’s the occasional times even Kiku gets jealous, but it takes something on the level of having things rubbed in her face, or being repeatedly ditched by her partner for other people with no explanation to get her there. She fully, 100% understands they have a life of their own and their own social circle, but also enough faith in her relationship and partner to trust he’ll tell her things, too. What does she have to be jealous about?

🐶Are they a cuddler? 

Kiku would say slightly. In reality, behind closed doors, she most definitely is - like said earlier, she knows they have a life of their own and can get busy, but if something isn’t too important, she’ll crawl on his lap and snuggle for a bit to make him smile, or cuddle on the couch… She likes the closeness of cuddles, she just won’t admit she’s as much of a cuddler as she is!

💭 Do they tend to sleep better when in bed with their partner? 

She does. There’s something about having him close by that makes sleeping a bit easier, and without fail, the stresses of the day just seem to wash away with her partner close. Her days are usually busy and full of running around, but even then sleep isn’t really restful until she discovers snoozing with him.

↕️Are they sub, dom or switch? 

Despite Kiku.exe shutting down over this question, Kiku’s easily a sub, with the barest hints of switch. She’s content in that role, too, but won’t hesitate to switch it up for occasions like anniversary or a holiday, or simply because she wants to make him smile - but 9 times of 10? Definite sub. XD

[sworntolight-a]

☾ Want a nighttime walk around Den City with Takeru, Mako?

Affectionate times with a Takeru!

☾ - Taking a nighttime walk with them

The evening walk had been a surprise; dinner out usually ended with heading straight back to her apartment for a talk and relaxing for the rest of the evening, not a sudden suggestion to wander through town, starting at the nearby park and checking out the setup going on for an upcoming carnival breezing through town. A choice that had soon given way to walking around the park’s small pond, instead, stars sparkling overhead as the lightest of topics bounced between them, carnival rides and equipment left far behind.

Before long, Mako caught herself smiling at the pathway before her; had just walking with Takeru always been so… So peaceful like this? There was something about the combination of his tone, the light, happy sound of it, having his warmth close by on a surprisingly chilly summer evening, and the stars above that made such a simple moment feel almost magical - A thought she didn’t dare speak aloud. It sounded silly even to her, how could she expect him to not laugh?

Instead, she focused on his slight hum, a sound she was finding herself absolutely loving. He was smiling and that was all she could ask for, though added to the light breeze and the glittering starlight reflected in the water… Maybe magical wasn’t the word for it, though she couldn’t think of one that fit any better, the brush of their hands going unnoticed until she’d curled hers around his, stepping closer to him mid-stride for a light nuzzle of his bicep.

This time, the hum that followed was lighter, softer - A hum she didn’t need a translation for, simply another light nuzzle and barely-audiable mumble of “you too”. Maybe they should take more walks, if this was the kind of peace they could expect from it…? Then again, just knowing it was the company that made it as wonderful as it was... “…Thank you.”

“Mm? For what?”

“….Being wonderful.”

[sworntolight-a]

📝 I know Mako and Kiku always wanna gush sooo...?

Kasa knows Takeru’s girls too well clearly

Their first impression: “Honestly? That Takeru was a detatched jerk. I wasn’t sure how Kiku put up with him. I know better, now.”

Their current impression: “He’s wonderful. Takeru is… He’s sweet. H-He’s sweet and kind, gentle, warm… Like a fire. A rather protective one..”

What they like the most about your muse: “His strength. His smile, his energy, his dedication- I love that he’s never given up. Even if he doesn’t see it, he’s strong, with a heart of gold. And… He’s an inspiration.”

What they dislike the most about your muse: “He could be a bit less stubborn sometimes… And his temper. I understand it, but that’s going to get him into trouble sometime, and I worry about that happening.”

What your muse is for them ( Friend, lover, rival ecc.): “We’re friends. Very… very close friends… Mm…”

A general opinion of their relationship: “It’s a tight and close friendship. A supportive and deep one, too… We’re always supporting each other. It’s like… Like the warmest fire.”

If applicable, something they wish to reveal: “…You’re my hero, Takeru… I wouldn’t be here, in the city, without you. I wouldn’t… Be doing a lot w-without the inspiration you’ve been… Thank you. Thank you for so much… And.. I-I… Love you a-and that strength of yours.”

Their first impression: “We were only four when we met. I remember being nervous about another new kid in the shop… And then he smiled. Everything was all right, after that.”

Their current impression: “He’s stubborn, full of life, and fighting for a new life. He’s changed a lot - he’s so much stronger now. And braver.”

What they like the most about your muse: “The fire in his eyes. I’ve never seen anything like it before… He’s gentle. He always has been, even when nobody could see it. Protective. Like a knight.”

What they dislike the most about your muse: “I don’t like his love for fighting. I know he’s protecting me, but a single hit in a tender place can cause too much damage. I could deal with him not fighting again unless he had no other choice.”

What your muse is for them ( Friend, lover, rival ecc.): “He’s my boyfriend. My best friend.”

A general opinion of their relationship: “it’s warm. Being beside Takeru is like sitting by a campfire with a life of its own, surrounding you in warmth and protection. That’s what our relationship is like - Support, protecting, and gentle warmth.”

If applicable, something they wish to reveal: “You changed everything for me too, you know. I’ve decided on a lot for my future because of you… You make me proud and smile every day with what you’ve become. I hope I can do that for you, too.”

[sworntolight-a]

Takeru's here to ask for the K from Mako too, though with hers, she'll get a quiet touch to her cheek before his hand falls to firmly hold on to her by one of her wrists.

Takeru’s looking for kisses & showing how he feels with touches

Cheek: I want to tell you I love you/Deep affection/Devotion

Wrist:Fear of losing you 

5. Firm kiss

Mako would admit, she hadn’t been expecting his touch to be what snapped her out of her daze. It was all too easy to lose herself in his eyes and the fire they held, brilliant blues sparking with life and determination, that she hadn’t even noticed his hand moving until it was by her cheek… Nor did she realize she was moving, too, until she’d given his palm a brief, quick nuzzle. It wasn’t there long enough to do much else, but it was enough, just for the moment.

And when his fingers curled around her wrist, Mako’s lips parted, then quickly pressed back together. She was his; there was no way she could deny that. Determined to stand by his side and support him, no matter what came their way, see him find the future she knew he was looking for… He’d make it, she decided, violet studying blue. He could do anything - Takeru was her hero, after all. Her best friend, her… Everything. He was her everything, Mako realized.

Perhaps it was that that prevented her anxiety from stopping her, she wasn’t sure… But whatever it was, she’d always be thankful for the chance to reach up with her free hand, laying it against the back of his neck and gently guiding him down. Lifting herself onto her toes let her meet him halfway for a surprisingly firm, loving kiss to find his lips; had he always tasted like fire? Bah, she could think on that later… For now, she wanted to make sure he knew she’d never stray far from his side, as long as she lived.

I love you... You’ll never lose me, I swear it.

[sworntolight-a]

10, Mako/Takeru, but ONLY if Mako trusts Takeru enough with one of her games

Drabble prompts ft. Kasa clearly wants Takeru to die

10. “Teach me how to play?”

“Teach me how toplay?”

Mako froze, theonly sound about the apartment for a moment that of a splooshcoming from her TV. She was all too used to Takeru watching her playgames; if they weren’t spending their evenings watching a movie orcuddling and talking about their respective days, she could oftenfind her boyfriend leaning over the back of the couch while sheplayed. Whether it was just commenting or laughing at how dumbsome of her virtual choices were, his presence during her game timewas one she’d come to love, even showing off her admittedly smallcollection to him.

But that was allalso without him touching a controller, too. Ever since the day he’dflung and broken her 3DS for a stray moo from a farming game she’dhad running, she’d completely banned him from her consoles. Didn’tmatter which one it was, he wasn’t allowed to touch them until she’dTakeru-proofed them, a process that involved buying enough bubblewrap to wrap around him and prevent him from even moving,never mind throwing another one. Speaking of which, she really didneed to order some of the stuff…

Still, she caughtherself leaning back to look at him regardless, head tilting backagainst the couch’s cushions for a better look at the boy hoveringover her. He looked oddly serious about this… Serious and amused bythe game she’d been playing, if the way he’d lit up was anything togo by. “Ah… Take-kun, you know I love you, but… You really wantto learn how to play?”

“I do.”

“This game.”

“It looks fun.”

“….It’s asquid.”

Just to match herwords, Mako pressed one of the buttons on her controller, the squidon screen leaping out of its ink puddle and right back inside withanother splash. Despite it, Takeru’s smile never once faded,sky-colored eyes only leaving her face long enough to watch the‘graceful leap’ her character had made; he really was serious,wasn’t he? Wasn’t he at all put off by the fact she was playingSplatoon- “They hide in paint, then?”

…Nope.

“Ink,” shecorrected, a tilt of her head inviting him to circle around the couchand sit beside her. She’d always had trouble saying no to him… Andwhen he wore a smile as bright as the one he did on plopping downbeside her, it was difficult to even remember the word even existedin human languages. Teaching him put her controllers at risk, but itwas already making him so happy and… How could she deny that?

Leaning over, shesnuggled herself into his side, holding the controller out some toshow him. She’d just have to watch him like a hawk, that was all!“This is Splatoon. It’s a game about squids who- …You know what,we’ll skip the story.” She’d gotten used to his comments on herMinecraft games with Kiku, but the sandbox-style game was easier toexplain; how, exactly, did she make 'squids who become kids’ makesense? Best to not even try, honestly. “This is the single playermode, though. In this you just have to follow the path and shoot thethings that shoot you.”

She couldn’t helphesitating in handing him the controller, though. As long as hedidn’t fling it, everything would be fine… And it gave her anexcuse to nuzzle his shoulder a bit in showing him where to put hishands, thumbs hovering over the buttons. Definitely worth it already,in her opinion! “This one turns you into a squid, this one movesyour inkling, and this one fires your weapon. This one makes themjump-”

With a grin, Takeruquickly pinned one of her thumbs under his own against thecontroller. “Inklings, huh? Where do you find these games?”

“Shh, you. You’renot allowed to question them after you fell off the couch laughing atme being chased by spiders in Minecraft.”

She had to admit,the sound of his chuckle made it even more worth it, tugging thethumb free from its pin. If he was laughing, maybe this wouldn’t goso bad after all? “It’s the first level, so just walk forward andfollow the directions from Marie. She’ll tell you what to do.”Simple instructions, really – And after pointing out the jump andshoot buttons as a reminder, Mako let herself all but melt into hisside. This wasn’t so bad… Excluding the quick question about whatcalamari was, forcing her to stifle a laugh in the sleeve of hissweatshirt. That was one she wasn’t going to go into!

Even the enemiesweren’t bad; just a few gentle reminders on how to take out the oneswith shields, and Mako relaxed even further. He’d get the hang of iteventually, she decided, and if he did, what was stopping them fromhaving a game night together? Maybe not Splatoon, not when sheglanced up from his hands to catch him jumping from one ink puddle tothe other simply for the fun of it, but there had to be somethingout there they could play together, right? Maybe a co-op game, if heever wanted – That was the key. It had to be what he wanted and onhis time, and-

Or he could let outa sudden scream the moment his inkling rounded a corner, face to facewith a pelting of ink to both end the character and send the smallerof the two jumping halfway down the couch… If only to watch hercontroller fly through the air and into the nearby bowl of cat foodset out near the kitchen. At the very least, it hadn’t landed inFloof’s water bowl…Still, it wasn’t going to stop her from slowlyturning to look at her boyfriend’s sheepish smile, heart pounding inher chest. “Why did you scream!?”

“They came out ofnowhere, Mako!”

And so would she.

With a pillow.

[sworntolight-a]

“Join Me” for Alanna and Soulburner; he messages her and asks if they wanna hang out/duel in Link VRAINS.

~~~Drabble Call! 

~~Join Me: A drabble about my character giving your character an offer Soulburner being sweet and Alanna loving the chance to see him

For a moment, Alanna caught herself wondering. Wondering if the sun in the virtual world of Link VRAINS ever set, why D-Boards were such a popular thing, about the company behind the city she stood in, if her deck needed tweaks... She was bored, and her mind was taking the chance to remind her of it, fingers lacing together and hands tucking themselves behind her head. Bored and suddenly curious... Did the sun ever set? Really? The next time Takeru went back home for a weekend, it might be worth logging in and staying up as long as she could to find out...

“Cheese is an important part of a daily cow.”

Her AI's voice quickly snapped her from her thoughts, however, curious expression falling into a frown; how did it always know just how to make things worse? Ugh, if only she had the funds to get that fixed-! “Pretty sure cows don't care about cheese. Check and see if Soulburner's lo-”

'If he wants to talk, he'll message you.'

Teeth bit down on the tip of her tongue mid-word. Force of habit had her asking her AI to check for any sign of Soulburner every time she logged in, but ever since she'd met Playmaker a week earlier... She still refused to stop talking to him, Alanna reasoned with herself. The Salamangreat duelist was her friend, regardless of what he did with his life; why should she drop him like a hot potato just because he had something important to do? She could easily call herself a Soulburner fan, sure, but his life was his life. As long as he came back intact, she didn't much care what he was up to unless he wanted her to know... And since he hadn't told her a thing, she was content to stay in town and duel whoever she found around the park.

Still, she'd decided to ease up on her messages for the last week, not wanting to risk the off-chance Playmaker'd had her account tapped in some form. While she was more than aware the two were friends and frequently were together, she didn't want to cause more trouble for Soulburner by irritating Playmaker further... But she couldn't deny she missed the fiery boy's bright smile. She'd see him when she saw him, that was how their friendship worked, and just like everything else, she was all right with that.

Yet there was something about everything that made her want to see him all the more. Not to ask him what was going on, why his friend was so stubborn, what he was doing – Just to see him and know he was all right. Show him, if he had time, how her work on conquering her fear of flying had been going; she could stand on her board and keep her balance for a full three minutes now! After a good three or so weeks where she'd only seen him zoom by on his board once... All she wanted was to see his smile, even from a distance-

The familiar 'message received' blip from her duel disk forced her hands out from behind her head. It was a desire better shelved for the time being, Alanna reminded herself, quick taps at her disk's screen navigating to her inbox as she moved away from the park's center. Probably some kind of newsletter from one of the local 'card shops', or an announcement from SOL...

Or from Soulburner himself, her eyes widening in surprise at the name attached to the message. He actually... Knew how to write messages? She couldn't lie; a conversation after one of their duels, the very one he'd named his disk's AI to her, had left her wondering if he knew how to work all his duel disk's functions. He'd seemed so unsure of himself and she rarely saw a.. Message... Actually, come to think of it, this was the first one she'd ever seen from him, wasn't it? Maybe a chain letter of some kind, fingertips bringing up the holographic display...

[Alanna]

Hey, been a while! Got a bit of free time if you're near the south side of the city. I'll be here until six – Bring your deck for a rematch!

[Soulburner]

There was no hiding the broad, bright smile on her lips the moment she'd finished reading. A chance to see a close friend and let her Lightsworns stretch their legs? If he expected a no, he definitely had another thing coming!

[Soulburner]

I'll be there in two minutes!

[Alanna]

Had that sounded too eager? Not detailed enough? Bah, it wasn't like he didn't know her, especially well enough to know she'd keep her promise of two minutes, breaking into a dead run across the digital park. She didn't doubt he meant the south edge of the city – Soulburner rarely wandered into town that she'd seen without good reason – and the park wasn't too far from there, on top of it all; it wouldn't take her much more than that, at worst!

In the end, it took all of three minutes, rather than two, to locate the taller, fire-themed boy, a quick, almost dance taking her around to stand in front of him with a bright grin he quickly matched. God, she'd missed that sight-!And he looked to be intact, all four limbs still there, head securely on his shoulders, no visible injuries, duel disk still containing that... Admittedly creepy eyeball... Flame was it's name, wasn't it? “I hope you didn't think I'd say no to a chance to duel you~!”

“I never doubt that,” Soulburner countered, grin brightening some with his comment. “Not sure why I doubted if you'd be logged in – Do you ever log out?”

“Only for school, work, and my cousin and best friend. I log out. I'm just here often.” And that eye was moving... Well, it made sense; it was an AI and they were in a virtual world, why shouldn't it? “You sure you're up for a match? I've been doing a bit of tweaking and this time, I promise you'll get to meet Judgment Dragon!”

“You promise every time and I haven't seen him yet. Doesn't sound all that fierce!”

“Just you wait, Soulburner... This'll be a match I win!” Not that she hadn't already, his grin breaking for a light laugh. God, she'd missed that sound... Why it made her day brighter to hear was beyond her, but it counted as a win in her book, at the very least. “You ready?”

“Always!”

Good... Her, too.

[sworntolight-a]

‘Haunt Me’ for Mako and pre-canon Takeru where he keeps an eye on her so she wouldn’t get into trouble?

~~~Drabble Call! 

~~Haunt me: a drabble about my character watching over yours Takeru watching over Mako pre-canon

Mako sighed, fingers tapping against her thighs.. This was ridiculous; how long was he going to stand there? And for that matter, did he really think she hadn't noticed him following her in the first place? He wasn't exactly stealthy, and the yellow-detailed white of his outfit made him stand out like a sore thumb amongst a sea of teens in uniform for most of the day. On top of that, he'd been silent the entire time – He had to know how creepy that was!

But on some level, she was finding, she actually appreciated the fact he was there. The local bullies and gangs had taken to punching first and asking questions later where she was involved, though given she often snapped at them and put herself between them and their targets... She honestly wasn't sure she could say she was surprised. What else could they do when they had a stubborn girl in their faces, letting their victims escape and calling them out on how ridiculous and jerkish they were being? Besides, it wasn't like she wasn't used to fighting when she'd been doing it for years!

And yet, having Takeru nearby meant the fights were, thankfully, short and quick. Nobody wanted to get into things once they saw him, and it meant she could both help out and avoid getting herself punched into the hospital... Though not without a disapproving look from the taller boy, present still on his face when she glanced in his direction. He didn't like her. Thought she was stupid and annoying. And he was still there.

“If Kiku asked you to watch out for me, I'll be fine,” she called out, fully aware of the irritation practically dripping off his form, even with the distance between them. If given the choice, he'd probably throw her into the sea and leave her there, of this she was certain, so what other reason could he have for hovering about the other end of the bridge?

Or for giving her a glare that would freeze just about anyone in their tracks, her included. Annoying Takeru was the last thing she'd wanted to do, especially when she was keeping an eye on him for Kiku and refused to put their mutual friend in the middle, but that was easier said than done when calling out to him seemed to make him wish he could shove her off the pier. Er... Again. What did he have against talking to people, anyway? “Homura-san?

“Kiku told me to.”

Wasn't that what she'd just asked- Bah, there was no point in arguing with him. Takeru was even more stubborn than she was, after all, and any argument in reply would just turn into another fight she didn't care to have at the moment, so what was the point in trying? “Kiku worries too much.”

On the other end of the bridge, Takeru shrugged his shoulders, the gesture slow but more than enough to give her a good look at how he moved. As much as she hated to admit it, that was something she liked about him; the way he moved his body, almost like he'd had training in... Something, she couldn't quite figure out what. Talking with Takeru normally was out of the question and she didn't dare pry into his life through Kiku, which meant simply trying to figure it out on her own. Whatever it was, it was something that had her loving how he fought, how he moved, the spark it brought to his eyes... And she hated herself for feeling any of it to begin with.

Burying her urge to ask, Mako slipped her hands behind her back, casting him a small smile. “You can go home. I'll be fine, I promise. We'll just tell Kiku I went right home after school.”

“....I don't listen to you.”

He didn't listen to anyone, a chirp she kept in her head rather than speaking it aloud and all but asking him to punch her. “So you're just going to follow me around?”

“....”

“That's a bit...”

“Shut up and go home. It's almost dark.”

You shouldn't be on this side of the pier after dark.

If she didn't know any better, she'd think him concerned.

Heaving another sigh, the caramel-haired teen turned on her heel, heading in the direction of her apartment building. No more than a moment later, the familiar sound of her 'guardian's' sneakers on the cement picked up once more; he fully planned on following her until she was home, she realized, smile softening. Good... Despite her complaints and attempts to get him to go home, she appreciated having him close by. Takeru, for all his faults and stubbornness, was still warmth and safety, and she refused to tell him how much better she felt having him there.

Instead, she laced her fingers together behind her back, keeping her gaze on the path ahead. Just keep moving forward... How ironic that she felt like she could with him so close. “Hey... Thanks.”

“Hn.”

Good, he didn't want her to explain... She wasn't sure she could, on any front. Still... Did he have to be so quiet...?

[sworntolight-a]

'Fight Me' for Mako, gang au or canon verse; either one

~~~Drabble Call! 

~~Fight Me: a drabble of my character fighting with/or against yours

“You jerk-”

Mako's hiss did little for the moment, let alone get her arm free from Takeru's grip. Swinging at him had been a bad idea and she'd be the first to own up to her stupidity, but she hadn't expected the 'jerk' to catch her arm mid-dodge, either – Or smirk at her as he had. Her temper had already been short from dealing with the Mizunuma brothers; did she really have to deal with Takeru on top of it all?!

Worse, the moment she'd shifted her weight to try and push him off with a kick aimed for his side, he'd taken advantage of her unbalance, pushing her into the nearby wall with surprising ease. Arm pinned against it half a second later and his body pressed against hers, Mako knew she'd lost... Though having lost so quickly only rammed home the reasons why she'd never picked a fight with him in the past, as well. He'd always felt like the wrong person to mess with, and now she knew exactly why, narrowed violet focusing on amused blue, full of fire that stole her breath away- Wait.

“Have you always been this stupid?” Takeru replied, his grip slightly tightening against her attempt to at least pull her arm free. Even with her attempts to hit him, he wasn't trying to hurt her; the pressure against her skin was gentle still, tight enough to come across as a warning against trying it again though never enough to actually cause pain. “You should know better.”

“Maybe I don't. Maybe you're just a jerk.” That hadn't been much of a comeback, but it was what fell from her lips regardless, hooking a leg around his in hopes of yanking it to the side, break his balance as well... Unfortunately, the move did little to help her, a quick shift both freeing the limb from hers and pressing her up against the wall harder still. She'd always felt like fighting with him would be a bad idea – Why hadn't she listened to instinct this time around?

Because his smug grin made her want to punch his teeth in, she realized. He was cocky and actually thought he'd won – And even if he had, she wasn't ready to give up, shoving at his shoulder and finding his sweatshirt hid muscles she'd never once thought he had hidden underneath the baggy fabric. Come to think of it, he felt far trimmer than he looked with how he'd pinned her against the alley's wall, almost silently daring her to try and fight him harder...

“You're going to get yourself into trouble.”

She hated admitting the low, amused tone he'd used sent a shiver through her. She liked the fire burning in his eyes, having him so close, the tone he was using, the grin on his lips... She liked it and hated the fact she did, hated him for it, and yet as much as she wanted to snap at him... “Says the jerk who's constantly in trouble. Ever think you might be part of the problem, not me?”

“I'm not the stupid fool throwing myself into things I can't handle.”

“I can handle myself just fine, Takeru!”

“You can't handle a thing!”

“Look, just because you can't see that doesn't meant I can't! Maybe if you stopped being a stuck up, stubborn jerk-”

“Or if you thought things through instead of causing more trouble for me-”

“For you?! What do you want me to do, leave people to get hurt!? Is that what you want?! Forget it – Even if I have to fight you to do it, I'll do it!”

“You'll lose. Every time.”

That last hiss of a whisper had been against her lips; when had she lifted her head off the brick, dared to get so close to him? Or let her free hand curl into his sweatshirt, pull it into a tight fist like she didn't want him to go? She couldn't stand him and the sooner he left, the sooner she could punch something like the wall behind her and ignore how nice his breath felt on her skin- “Bite me, Homura. I'll never stop-”

Maybe it was to shut her up. Maybe it was to make her stop. Maybe it was.. She wasn't sure why, really, but the kiss that'd cut her words off was hot and surprisingly welcome, followed by a second and a third before either of them could remember to catch their breath. He was such a jerk, Mako wanted to blurt; a jerk she wanted to punch in the face and kiss again and what in the world was going on with her-!? Had she lost her mind!?

Probably so, if she could find it in her to catch him for a fourth, drowning in the fire of it before she realized his grip had loosened. Everything in her said to shove him off and punch him in the face, and yet all she could do was study his face when they parted, heavy pants just as hot on each others' lips and eyes locked. She'd lost her mind, completely gone insane and he looked so good-

“I...” Slowly, Takeru pulled back, letting her off the wall and arm free from his hold. For a moment, she was sure her knees would give out, a stumble getting him to snap his hand back out and hold her elbow just as long as it took for her to shake her head. “I need to go uh... Read my pillow.”

“I need to walk my cat,” Mako blurted half a second later, though it wasn't until he'd taken several steps down the alley that she paused; had he just said read his pillow? “...Takeru-”

“Tomorrow. We'll... I'll- Tomorrow.”

Tomorrow. Something about that promise made her heart leap, and for the first time since she'd swung at him, she wasn't questioning it. “Tomorrow, then. Tomorrow I win.”

“Not on your life... Stupid.”

She'd see about that.

[sworntolight-a]

ღღ // one for Kiku and Mako both obviously

~~Send a ღ to learn about these three dorks and their love

Entrust, the pile of fluffy sweet <3

Who’s the first to wake up in the morning: Kiku, as much as she doesn’t want to sometimes, she’s naturally wired to be up at9:30 the latest.

Who’s the one to make breakfast: Kiku. Takeru’s not allowed in the kitchen. Not unless it’s to make ramen, and even then she’s watching him-

Who’s the one to serve the other breakfast in bed: Kiku does occasionally, usually the morning after a super stressful day/night to start a new one off with a smile <3

Who would suggest a quickie in the morning before work: ...Can I say Takeru? Because I feel like this is Takeru~

Who suggests they both ditch work to lay around all day: Takeru, because Kiku can skip work for a day, yep. No she can’t but-

Who chooses the movies: Takeru, if only because Kiku would choose something soft and sweet and letting him pick saves him from the boredom of Bambi or The Fox and the Hound for the tenth time.

Who initiates kissing during the moving, thus distracting the other from the movie all together: Kiku~

Who orders lunch: Depends on who reaches the phone/counter first, honestly?

Who steals food from the other’s plate without asking: Takeru - Kiku asks before she steals. XD

Who curls up next to the other and falls asleep due to a full tummy: The big fluffy lion known as Takeru <3

Who distracts the other from trying to work at home: They’re both pretty guilty-

Who asks to go get ice cream like a five year old: Takeru on a good day, Kiku on a bad, since Kiku’ll ask him to go with her with a smile to try and lift his mood~

Who takes pictures of their partner eating ice cream: Kiku, because Takeru can barely figure out his phone, let alone how to take pictures with it.

Who makes a sexual joke about the dripping ice cream on their partner’s face: Kiku and it’s 99% of the time more than unintentional, she swears!

Who cooks dinner: KIKU-

Who cleans up the kitchen afterwards: Kiku gets Takeru to help sometimes, though still more Kiku.

Who stays up until 2 reading: Kiku.

Who stares at their partner while their sleeping: They’ve both done it. <3

Who kisses their partner while they sleep: Both, albeit a bit more Kiku. He always looks so peaceful when he sleeps, she can’t help it.

Solarflare, the fluffy fire <3

Who’s the first to wake up in the morning: Definitely Mako-

Who’s the one to make breakfast: -And this is WHY Mako’s the first to get up every day XD

Who’s the one to serve the other breakfast in bed: Still a Mako <3

Who would suggest a quickie in the morning before work: You know I think they both would, rarely-

Who suggests they both ditch work to lay around all day: Takeru in a heartbeat. XD

Who chooses the movies: Depends on who actually suggests a movie for the night. Usually whoever does is the one who picks.

Who initiates kissing during the moving, thus distracting the other from the movie all together: Mako more than Takeru, if only because she gets distracted stealing them first~

Who orders lunch: Who thought of ordering first and reached the counter/phone? That’s the winner~

Who steals food from the other’s plate without asking: Takeru does and usually with a grin XD

Who curls up next to the other and falls asleep due to a full tummy: Takeru, though his curling up beside Mako also comes with cuddles and affectionate scratches, too <3

Who distracts the other from trying to work at home: They both do, usually with the smallest things, too~

Who asks to go get ice cream like a five year old: Mako, unless Takeru’s in a really good mood. XD

Who takes pictures of their partner eating ice cream: Mako, she just tries not to tell him-

Who makes a sexual joke about the dripping ice cream on their partner’s face: Mako because it slips out before she can even think about it and she never means to.

Who cooks dinner: Mako. Every meal at home is Mako. Takeru touches her kitchen only when she’s too sick to get out of bed.

Who cleans up the kitchen afterwards: Both - Takeru gets pulled into helping <3

Who stays up until 2 reading: Mako, who keeps a book by her bed/her side of their bed in case she can’t sleep or Takeru has a nightmare and she can’t nod off again.

Who stares at their partner while their sleeping: They’ve both done it <3

Who kisses their partner while they sleep: Usually Mako, who wants to make sure his dreams stay light and he gets a good night kiss whether he’s awake or not <33